Camping is an activity in which people live temporarily in the outdoors. Camping provides an opportunity to experience nature firsthand. Campers participate in fishing, hunting, swimming, plant study, bird and wildlife watching, and nature photography. Just as importantly, camping helps escape the stress of city life. It provides physical benefits when it involves hiking to, from, and around the campsite.

Camping takes many forms. The three main types of camping include backpacking, car camping, and recreational vehicle camping. First, people throughout the world enjoy hiking to wilderness campsites, usually on established trails. This activity is called backpacking because it involves carrying such essential gear as a tent, food, clothing, and sleeping bag all in a backpack. â€œBackpacking is best suited for those who are in good physical condition as it may require walking several milesâ€ (Huggler 66). Moreover it is sometimes necessary to climb steep paths on mountainsides, cross small streams, and spend long days on the trail to reach a secluded, quiet, and solitary campsite. The reward for this effort can be a serene mountain lake, beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, and wildlife seen along the way.

In most of the world, â€œgovernment agencies regulate camping activities by overseeing park systems, wilderness areas, and protected landâ€ (Wells 14). Some land management agencies require that backpackers register and obtain permits before entering wilderness areas. Others simply require that â€œbackpackers set up their campsite away from the trail and at least one hundred feet from lakes, rivers, and streams to avoid polluting sources of drinking waterâ€(Wells 15).

The second type of camping includes car camping. Instead of hauling everything on their backs, car camping enthusiasts carry their gear in a car. Car campers can bring along as much gear as their vehicle